Princeview Dental Speaks Out for National Oral Health Month

Toronto, Canada, April 1, 2016 – Princeview Dental, (www.PrinceviewDental.com), one of Etobicoke’s local dental clinics, is weighing in on dental hygiene for the start of National Oral Health Month this April.

April has been officially named National Oral Health Month by the Canadian Dental Association (CDA). With an estimated 3,200 Canadians being diagnosed with oral cancer every year, the CDA wants to raise awareness about the importance of dental hygiene and oral healthcare.

“People tend to neglect their dental hygiene compared to other aspects of their health, but it is equally as important,” says Dr. Janice Mummery, owner of Princeview Dental. “It’s not just cavities that people have to worry about but also gum disease, oral cancer, bacterial infections, and other serious conditions. Oral health is a big part of your overall health.”

The CDA even notes that dental conditions can be life-threatening. Oral cancer causes over 1,000 Canadian deaths each year, which is partially attributed to the disease being diagnosed very late. One of the reasons for this is that many people are unaware of the symptoms.

“When you have pain in your mouth, teeth, or jaw, it could be a variety of different dental problems,” says Dr. Mummery. “When you have a sudden onset of these symptoms, it means you need to see a dentist as soon as possible. However, a lot of people wait for their next dental appointment, and they can end up allowing problems to get worse.”

The CDA is using this awareness push to advise people to go to the dentist regularly. Regular dental exams are considered one of the first-line defenses against serious complications and diseases.

“A lot of people don’t realize that dental conditions can be life threatening,” says Dr. Mummery. “A surprising amount of Canadians don’t visit a dentist regularly, which is a big concern. It’s very easy to catch dental problems with regular check-ups, but without them, you can start to see serious problems.”

Seeing the dentist regularly is one of five tips the CDA has outlined for people who want to prevent dental conditions. Other tips include eating healthy non-acidic foods and cleaning teeth with a combination of brushing and flossing.

“If you follow simple dental care routines, you can ensure that your mouth is healthy,” says Dr. Mummery. “All it takes is brushing and flossing your teeth every day. Avoiding sugary foods and cigarettes will also have a big effect.”

The CDA also recommends that Canadians look for the signs and symptoms of gum disease and oral cancer, which include sores, sensitive gums, bleeding, excessive bad breath, and lumps inside the mouth.

“The most important thing if you notice these symptoms is to see a dentist right away,” says Dr. Mummery. “Luckily, there are many dentists and dental emergency clinics throughout the Toronto area. There’s no reason for anyone to not see the dentist when necessary.”

Princeview Dental provides services for patients who are suffering from dental emergencies in Toronto, as well as regular oral care. For more information, visit www.PrinceviewDental.com.